Putting rabbit control back on the map

Agriculture Victoria biosecurity officers have inspected 70 properties
adjoining the Glenelg River to record the presence of rabbits and discuss control options
with landholders in the area.

Rabbits are a significant threat to agricultural
and environmental assets in the region. Overgrazing and burrowing reduces important
vegetation, increasing soil erosion and sediment loads into the Glenelg River.

All private and public land managers within a
specific area were included in the project.

Agriculture Victoria Leading Biosecurity Officer
in Hamilton Dallas Gooding said it was the last
remaining section of Glenelg River yet to be inspected by the Department and
assessed for rabbits.

"While rabbits are not expected to be found in
large populations, it is timely for landowners to clean up any remaining
warrens and rabbit harbour to ensure viability of the land and health of the
waterway," Ms Gooding said.

"It is far more cost effective to manage and
maintain rabbits at low levels rather than waiting until the population has increased
to trigger control action.

"Where rabbits are detected, landowners will be
provided with maps of the infestations and information on best practice rabbit
control to ensure the most effective control outcomes are achieved.

"Consistent timeframes and expectations for rabbit
control have been developed to ensure all land managers are working together in
a timely manner, optimising the outcomes that can be achieved and managing
rabbits to standard thresholds."

Properties found to have rabbits will be
reinspected during summer to determine the level of control works completed.

For more information on the Chetwynd rabbit project
or best practice rabbit control call 136 186 or visit Agriculture Victoria at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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Categorised under: Biosecurity,Agriculture

Following changes to the Victorian Government structure, the content on this site is in transition. There may be references to previous departments, these are being updated. Please call 136 186 to clarify any specific information.